When Pieta was diagnosed with breast cancer, she attempted to claim a TPD benefit through her superannuation. Her insurer rejected Pieta’s claim. Pieta then came to us....
Read moreYou could have a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim if a physical injury or condition permanently affects your ability to work.
Unlike weekly workers compensation payments, a TPD benefit is a one-time lump sum (often a significant amount) to help support you financially while you’re off work.
The best part? TPD is usually included in your super policy, so you might already be insured without knowing it. If you’re unsure whether you’re covered or just want free, expert advice — get in touch. Our lawyers are always ready to discuss your situation and investigate your policy.
You don’t have to be bedridden or in a wheelchair to make a TPD claim. Many policies just need proof that you can’t do your usual job or any job that fits your skills, education, and experience. For example, if you’ve always worked in construction, you could still qualify for a TPD claim even if doctors say you’re able to work in an office.
You can make a TPD claim regardless of where your injury occurred. But if it happened at work, you could also be eligible for a workers compensation claim. As part of our comprehensive service, we’ll always investigate your additional claims, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injury.
You don’t need to prove anyone was at fault to make a successful TPD claim.
Find out whether you’re entitled to a TPD benefit today.
You can make a TPD claim for almost any physical injury or condition, as long as it means you’re unable to work. In our experience, this includes:
When Pieta was diagnosed with breast cancer, she attempted to claim a TPD benefit through her superannuation. After her insurer rejected her claim, she came to us for help.
We quickly filed a dispute notice to challenge their decision, addressing every point raised by the insurer to ensure they couldn't deny our appeal. Plus, we tapped into our national network of experts to gather additional medical evidence to strengthen her case. In the end, we successfully overturned their rejection, and Pieta was awarded $1.2 million in benefits.
Follow these three steps to make a successful TPD claim:
Make sure to see your GP or another medical professional to get your physical injury or condition properly diagnosed. This step is crucial for getting the treatment you need and also provides important evidence for your claim.
Every policy has its own definition of TPD, so it’s important to check that both your injury and its impact on your life match your policy’s criteria. Some policies may require you to be completely unfit for work, while others might only need evidence that you can’t do your regular job or any job that matches your education, training, and experience. For more details, check out our guide on the different types of TPD policies.
Make sure you check off all the other policy requirements, like any work history conditions or waiting periods, before you submit your claim.
Importantly, you don’t have to tackle these criteria alone. Proving TPD claims can be incredibly challenging, so we highly recommend teaming up with a skilled lawyer. We’ll leverage our nationwide network of medical and employment experts to gather strong evidence about your injury, how it affects your life, and how it aligns with your policy’s TPD definition.
Most TPD claims take around six months to complete. But if your case is more complicated, it could take up to 12 months. The exact timeline depends on a few key factors:
For a free estimate of how long your claim could take, speak to one of our lawyers today. Once we know the facts of your situation, we can give you a more accurate timeline.
Each TPD claim is unique, and costs vary depending on your injury’s severity and the complexity of your claim. But whatever your circumstances, you’re always backed by our industry-leading TPD Fee Guarantee. That means you can expect:
Most TPD policies cover all physical conditions, but there are some exceptions to keep in mind:
These are just some common reasons your physical condition might not be covered. Since every policy is unique and can be interpreted differently, it’s smart to talk to a lawyer if you’re unsure about your coverage. Our TPD team can review your policy and clarify your entitlements for free.
Time limits for TPD claims can vary based on your policy. Some policies don’t set specific deadlines, while others may include a ‘prejudice clause’. This means you need to file your claim within a certain timeframe to keep your entitlements.
If your claim has been denied, you can appeal the decision, but keep in mind that appeals also come with strict deadlines. It’s essential to get legal advice before starting the process. Over the years, we’ve successfully helped hundreds of clients appeal their denied TPD claims.
If you’re unable to work, you probably need your TPD claim resolved as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, delays can happen for several reasons:
It’s unfortunate, but sometimes super funds and insurance companies deny TPD claims. The good news is, you still have options:
To learn more about this process, check out our guide to rejected TPD claims or speak with one of our expert lawyers for personalised advice.
Yes, you can. If you have TPD cover with more than one super fund, you might be able to make multiple claims for the same condition.
Many people aren’t aware they have coverage from multiple super funds, especially if they’ve switched jobs and haven’t consolidated their super. If each fund has its own TPD insurance policy, you can potentially make multiple claims.
However, keep in mind that winning one claim doesn’t guarantee success with the others. Each fund has its own policies and definitions, and some may exclude payments if you’ve already received benefits from another fund.
To navigate this complex process, it’s best to seek expert help. Our TPD lawyers can uncover all your policies and explain all your entitlements, free of charge.
Alongside your TPD claim, there are other types of compensation you might qualify for, including:
If you think you might qualify for more than one type of claim, it’s wise to consult a lawyer before proceeding. While multiple claims can increase your total compensation, they can also complicate your case. Having an expert lawyer on your side ensures you receive the full amount you’re entitled to.
While every TPD claim is slightly different, here’s what you can generally expect to happen:
In a free consultation, you’ll sit down with one of our TPD lawyers who will take the time to hear your story and review your super policy. We’ll discuss your potential claims and show you how we can help you maximise your compensation.
We’ll gather your medical records, dive deeper into your policy, and start investigating your entitlements. This may involve speaking with your doctors to gain a better understanding of your condition. We might also reach out to your family and friends to get a full picture of how your condition affects your daily life.
Your lawyer will explain whether you qualify for a TPD benefit and share the best game plan to get your payout fast. They’ll also find any extra claims you could make, like common law damages or income protection, which can substantially increase your total compensation.
We’ll collect solid evidence about your condition from doctors, specialists, the ATO, WorkCover, and Centrelink. Plus, we tap into our national network of medical experts to provide testimonials that bolster your claim. Once we have everything lined up, we’ll fine-tune your case, fill out all the necessary claim forms, and submit them to your super fund.
With our solid negotiation skills and a 99% success rate, you can expect to receive your TPD benefit quickly. If your super fund is stalling or refusing to pay, we have effective strategies to get them moving. And if necessary, we’re ready to take your claim to court.
Our team use their extensive experience to increase your chances of success. We’ve won many awards for our work, including ‘Compensation Law Firm of the Year 2020 GBM Global Awards.’
When you walk through our doors, our top priority is to help you as much as we can. This commitment is shown in over 200 5-star reviews.
With 25 years’ experience handling physical injury TPD claims, we’ll secure the full benefit you deserve. As part of our comprehensive service, we always:
Use our online claim checker to instantly find out if you have a claim. Alternatively, just give us a ring — our expert lawyers are always ready to answer your questions.